Saskatchewan nurses are voicing their frustration with the state of health care in the province, citing overcrowded emergency rooms, postponed surgeries, and rural service disruptions. The Saskatchewan Union of Nurses (SUN) president, Tracy Zambory, highlights the challenges nurses face, such as being short-staffed and having to provide critical care in waiting room chairs. This has led to a rally of hundreds of nurses in front of the Saskatchewan Legislative Building demanding action on staffing shortages. Data from SUN shows that emergency rooms are operating at 350% capacity, with 86% of registered nurses reporting patient risk due to short staffing.
The Saskatchewan Healthcare Employees’ Pension Plan (SHEPP) reports that more than 2,000 registered nurses are now eligible for retirement, adding to the staffing crisis in the province. SUN has been calling for greater front-line engagement to address registered nurse retention and recruitment for almost two years. The organization’s president, Tracy Zambory, emphasizes the need for safe staffing and expresses concerns about the potential for a healthcare catastrophe. Data from a September survey of SUN members shows that 60% have considered leaving the profession in the last 12 months, reflecting a growing disillusionment among healthcare workers.
Healthcare reform has become a key issue in the upcoming provincial election in Saskatchewan, with voters set to go to the polls on October 28. The Saskatchewan Party Leader, Scott Moe, has been criticized by the NDP candidate, Vicki Mowat, for the state of hospitals and healthcare facilities in the province. Mowat has promised to open the Saskatoon hospital 24 hours a day and focus on recruiting and retaining more healthcare workers. Meanwhile, Moe defends his government’s health care plan, stating that they have hired more staff to provide relief to the system. However, Mowat argues that Moe’s plan is not working and that hospitals remain understaffed and overwhelmed.
As the provincial election approaches, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) has emphasized its non-partisan stance and refrained from engaging in political debates. The SHA has pointed to the Saskatoon and Regina capacity action plans as measures to address healthcare pressures and capacity issues. The ongoing nurse rally and concerns raised by healthcare workers underscore the urgent need for action to improve staffing levels and alleviate the strain on the healthcare system. With healthcare reform being a focal point in the upcoming election, voters will have the opportunity to weigh in on the future of healthcare in Saskatchewan and the need for safe staffing to ensure quality patient care.
